New to AA? Got questions? Here's the place to ask. Note that no one person speaks "officially" for AA. AA meetings in your local area are always the best source of information. Note that anyone may post and reply to messages in this forum.

Hi. I am 3 weeks now. I have a question. What do you people say to people when they ask why are you not drinking alcohol. I cant think of a single thing to say that wont make me appear more boring than usual and put a damper on everyone. I am greatful to be not drinking and pretty fortunate that I dont have many to attend. I am interested to hear what you have to say.

Because I don't want to, or, why would I? If they say because it is fun or it helps me to relax or something along those lines, I just say... okay. If they push, I just say I don't need it to do anything of those things. We usually don't get to that point though.

why do you need to feel you have to offer anyone an explanation as to why your not drinking ?

if you must tell them anything then tell them it makes you break wind very loudly

seriously in this day and age no one notices who is drinking what and drinking water or soft drinks is now the norm for a lot of people who go out as they might be driving etc

i can remember worrying about what i could say if anyone asks me why i am not drinking in my early days whenever i was out in a drinking situation. i understand today i had to be in those situations in order to grow a bit more confidence in myself and get used to being around people who drink

infact i got a bit angry at one function that i was worried about as not one person asked me why i was only drinking coke

i can also remember some of the old timers who would say to me in no uncertain terms, just who the hell do i think i am that anyone is going to take the time out to wonder about you ? not when there out to have a good night themselves, i would be the last thing they would worry about or notice

i didnt like that much but i can see how true it was about my thinking and about how i assumed everyone was always watching me or thinking things about me

I went to AA in early summer, by November I was beginning to worry about December and family gatherings.

I talked about it at my next meeting and something someone said still remains uppermost in my mind, "its just like every other day of sobriety, all the same principles apply". Especially give a read to the three questions beginning at the bottom of page 101 and over to page 102 starting with "Have I any good social, business.." etc. in the book Alcoholics Anonymous.I use those if I have any doubts about going anywhere.

" Burn the idea into the consciousness of every man that he can get well regardless of anyone. The only condition is that he trust in God and clean house." page 98 A.A.

Hello Marthamaree. Most people don’t care why and when they ask why I simply tell them it a life choice that I have madeAt 90 days I went to a birthday party for a buddy I when into the army with. There was some of the guys there that we use to run and gun with there. I was asked if I wanted a beer and I told them no thank you a stopped drinking. They didn’t ask me why they just said “good.”

Robert
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in pretty, well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming WOW What a ride!!!!

Most people don't have alcoholic thinking. I STILL have times when I think others think the same way I do about alcohol, but they don't. What I mean is that not everyone has the thinking of "I can't imagine why someone would refuse a drink!" If you run into someone who is pushy about you "joining" them in a little "Holiday Cheer" or "Just One" - you have probably met a kindred soul. I might whisper to them with excited conspiracy "I quit and I am in AA" wink wink. BE SURE they will probably blab to everyone, so only do this if you don't care - and keep in mind I am a sick passive aggressive person LOL. So on the serious ~ this is the person to watch, the one who will have a good story to tell, if they live long enough to get to AA.

Funny thing was for me? I had no reason to lie! "I am the designated driver? - who am I driving? ME!" Take your own can and bail out when the party start rockin'. It was uncomfortable for me when every started acting the fool. I never noticed that before either.

If I'm not able to say how I'm working my program today, then I'm not working my program.The e-AA Group's 7th Tradition link: www.e-aa.org/group_seventh.php

thanks. I am in Australia and there is one street party I am dreading but I also know after a few hours I can sneak off and no one will notice because they will be too drunk. Its just when I arrive. I think I will arrive with a drink in my hand and no one will care what I am drinking as long as I have a drink. I will take something delicious to share too as a distraction. x

marthamaree wrote:thanks. I am in Australia and there is one street party I am dreading but I also know after a few hours I can sneak off and no one will notice because they will be too drunk. Its just when I arrive. I think I will arrive with a drink in my hand and no one will care what I am drinking as long as I have a drink. I will take something delicious to share too as a distraction. x

I spent a lot of time in Australia and particularly up in the NT. I remember being in Sydney and in Kings Cross and how pissed everyone was doing jello shots and what not. That was a long time ago and being sober reminded me of what happens when I drank.

Good to hear from our friends in Australia. I used to have the red binder Big Book I bought in 1995 with the Australian story of AA and if you ever find one please read it because those stories in the back are from the mouths of Aussies.

Work hard, stay positive, and get up early. It's the best part of the day. George Allen, Sr.

ive had to say "no, thank you" and been questioned a couple times. a simple ,"because i said so" sufficed for all but once.where i said,"you dont have enough" and watched the dog head tilt happen.the majority of times,though, nothing after "no,thank you" was necessary.

marthamaree wrote:thanks. I am in Australia and there is one street party I am dreading but I also know after a few hours I can sneak off and no one will notice because they will be too drunk. Its just when I arrive. I think I will arrive with a drink in my hand and no one will care what I am drinking as long as I have a drink. I will take something delicious to share too as a distraction. x

I spent a lot of time in Australia and particularly up in the NT. I remember being in Sydney and in Kings Cross and how pissed everyone was doing jello shots and what not. That was a long time ago and being sober reminded me of what happens when I drank.

Good to hear from our friends in Australia. I used to have the red binder Big Book I bought in 1995 with the Australian story of AA and if you ever find one please read it because those stories in the back are from the mouths of Aussies.

HaHaHa NT and Kings Cross eh? NT land of the drunk tourist eating Crocs. Not funny getting taken by a croc cos you were hot and drunk and thought "no swimming" signs were for other people. I shall look out for that book.Thanks.